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Sunday, October 30, 2011

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40

Yesterday, my 10 year old daughter participated in our regional Special Olympics competition in bowling. Another amazing experience for our family. The event always begins in prayer and I cannot think of a better way to start. All of the athletes had a wonderful time and their positive spirit resonated throughout the bowling alley. What really struck me yesterday were the volunteers. They were out in full force – all to help make this experience the very best it could be for the athletes.

Where do you serve? Where would you like to volunteer? Where is the greatest need? We often serve in our church, but there are so many more opportunities in each of our greater communities. Reach out to all of our brothers and sisters, lend a helping hand. Perhaps in a soup kitchen, in a school, a homeless shelter for families, a food pantry, Special Olympics….His children need us.

This week, reflect on where you serve or where there may be a need in your community that you have not considered before.

Monday, October 24, 2011

I participated in a Digi-Swap again this month with Kelly at SimplyKellyDesigns. This month I was paired up with Kelly herself! She sent me 7 pictures and journaling - my task was to create a layout for her. (and she did the same for me)

Here is the layout that Kelly made for me. This is my daughter's first day of school this year. Kelly used Connie Prince's Back to School Kit and Simply Kelly Designs 4 Photo Template.

And here is the layout I created for Kelly. This is a double layout which features our time together at last year's Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Supershow in Chicago. This was the first time I met Kelly in 'real life' and we had a blast! I used JessicaSpragues Layered Template #5 (with a few modifications) and papers from KaloDesigns. I had fun - not just creating this layout but also remembering good times with special friends.Signups are now taking place over at SimplyKellyDesigns for Novembers DigiSwap. Head on over now and give it a try. It's a lot of fun - and you can add another layout into your 'to be printed' folder. (you do need to register before you can see the actual sign up thread)

Wishing each of you a blessed week....full of sunshine and beautiful fall weather (but if you live near me, you are likely going to see 'white' in the next few days. Gotta love Colorado!)

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

While in Vegas, my friends and I enjoyed relaxing and chatting in Margaritaville. Whether it was after our classes for the day - or while we waited for another group activity - it was great to sit back and just 'chill'. The music was great (Jimmy Buffet, of course); the entertainment was fun and lively, the margaritas were heavenly and the food was scrumptious. BUT...the best part was spending time with good friends.

And...the layouts I have been creating for this digi-getaway use a special digital kit and templates made just for Spraguefest by the awesome designers at www.jessicasprague.com.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Last weekend, Barbara of Precepts and Promises and I had the unique opportunity to meet “in real life”. We attended a conference with over 75 digital scrapbookers from around the country. What a blessing it was to spend time together with my Providence 365 friend.

During the conference, we heard a quote that really put in perspective why many of us scrapbook.

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ― Anaïs Nin

What does it mean to “remember”? Recall, reminisce, ‘think of’, ‘bring to mind’ are just a few of the words and phrases that we use to define remember.

We “recall” events and occasions. We “reminisce” about people we have met in the past that have made an impact on our lives. We “think of” people that are in our life today that are important to us. Certain situations “bring to mind” special memories from the past. And we thank God when we remember.

When we scrapbook, we sometimes let our pictures do the talking (a picture is worth a thousand words). More often than not, we journal our thoughts – documenting details and sharing feelings and emotions. And as we journal ~ we taste life twice.

Here is your challenge this week. Why do YOU scrapbook? What do you scrapbook? Who do you scrapbook about? Who enjoys your scrapbooks? (And do you actually get those layouts printed out or posted on a blog so that your loved ones can enjoy them too)

Friday, October 14, 2011

One of the best adventures I had in Vegas was at M&M World. Yes, you read that correctly - M&M World. Kelly, Bridget, Aprile and I had a blast exploring all four levels of this store - filled with FUN and of course M&Ms.

We even enjoyed a 3D mini-movie about the adventures of Red and Yellow! Too much fun! M&M World is a great place to visit and is perfect for kids - of ALL ages!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Happy Thursday! I am back from Vegas and Spraguefest. What an incredible adventure! Though I missed my family dearly, I had a great time spending my days with special friends and making many new friends. I am looking forward to creating a memorable scrapbook from this little get-away! Here are the first few pages (and I will share more layouts and photos from Vegas over the next week)

We had over 75 digi-scrappers from around the country attend this special event. Jessica Sprague led a class on digital scrapping; Carina Gardner led a fabulous hands-on class about color; Heidi Swapp shared a fun hybrid class where we created an album about gratitude. We even had a quick photography class led by Candice Stringham that prepared us to venture out and take some awesome night pictures.

I was finally able to meet a wonderful online friend - Barbara Garrett of Precepts and Promises. She was a designer with me at Faith Sisters and can now be found at GoDigitalScrapbooking. She is just as sweet in real life as she is 'online'. It was a joy to re-connect with Ann (of AndyDesigns). We met last year for the first time at Spraguefest 2010 in Chicago. I love her smile and she is so fun to be around. I also was blessed to be able to meet Susan who was Carina's "TA" during the Art of Digital Design 2 - a class I finished right before heading to Vegas.

One of the best parts of Spraguefest was getting together with friends that I originally met on the Cricut Message Board at least 3 years ago. Kelly of Simply Kelly Designs, Bridget and Aprile. We each have been working on Project 365 (also known at Project Life or "a picture a day") While I had met Kelly and Aprile last year at CHA and Spraguefest, this was my first time meeting Bridget. We all had a blast together.

Can I just say that some of my best friends live in my computer!

I'll be back during the next week to share about our classes, our adventures in M&M world, Margaritaville, the Neon Boneyard, an Elton John concert and more. The good news - I only left $1 in Vegas (and that was only so I could get a ticket to include in my scrapbook) ~ and ~ I only gained one pound - so I figure it's a wash.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go.......VEGAS, here I come! I am ever so excited to be heading to Spraguefest 2011. I will be joining over 75 other digi-scrappers at this awesome event. In addition to fabulous classes by Jessica Sprague, Carina Gardiner and Heidi Swapp; I will be able to spend time with some wonderful friends that I have met both online and 'in real life'.

I will also be going to Elton John's 3000 public concert - a special event to be sure. (at the time we purchased the tickets, we did not know it was a 'milestone' concert - how cool is that)

Here is an Artist Trading Card I made for sharing with the other Spraguefest participants. I created it digitally using my new Beautiful Music Symphony Paper Kit. (I can't wait to see what everyone else has created to share)

My Beautiful Music Paper Kits and Collections (along with all "by the Shore designs" products) are on sale at Faith Sisters through October for 30% off. Check out this great sale....here!

Enjoy your weekend (I know I will) I am looking forward to sharing with you when I return!

Monday, October 3, 2011

This year, my youngest daughter and I once again successfully met our goal of visiting the zoo every week during summer vacation. Our zoo is the country's only zoo that is set in the mountains - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - and we love having a membership there. The zoo is a stone's throw from our home (well almost) so we can pop in, visit a few animal friends and leave, knowing that we can return any time we wish. (Her favorite animal is the giraffe)

I created this layout using by the Shore designs Touch of Spring Paper and Elements Collection. It was done as part of a speed scrap at MyMemories.com. If you have not participated in a speed scrap - it is lots of fun. A new "requirement" is provided every 5-10 minutes. A great way to get a layout done in less than one hour. I always step outside of my comfort zone trying a new technique or using a design element I might not have otherwise chosen. And the best part, I have a layout to add to my "to be printed" folder!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

What a gift it is to be able to journey with you through 2011 – seeking His providence, reading His word and spending time in prayer and reflection. This week, as I spent time choosing a verse for week 40 – I kept coming back to the book of Galatians, specifically chapter 5, verse 22. Then I would wander elsewhere in the bible thinking that perhaps there was another verse ‘more worthy’ for reflection this week – nope – He kept leading me back to Galatians 5:22. I read it in a daily devotion. I saw it posted on facebook. It jumped out at me from a book I was reading. And I overheard our older students discussing it this morning during Sunday School. Sometimes it takes a thunk on the head for me to listen.

We are blessed with a fresh attitude towards life and towards each other. He is the Vine and we are the branches and from the branches are the fruit that we bear. We cannot bear fruit if we are detached from the vine. We are lifeless. But when we are in a firm relationship with Jesus, with God, when we open our hearts and let the Holy Spirit in, we are blessed with the fruit of the Spirit. Our attitudes – our fruits are abundant.

What fruits are apparent in your life? What fruits may need nurturing?

I want to leave you with some ADDITIONAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT. The book I was reading this morning as I was preparing for this post referenced a quote by D.L. Moody –

“Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian”

This really stuck with me. I kept reading my devotion, but I also keep paging back to reflect on that quote. When others are “reading” me – do they see a Christian? I am displaying all of the fruits of the Spirit detailed in Galatians 5:22? Do others “see” Jesus exemplified in what I do and say? What about you?